R.I.C.E.
RICE therapy is standard treatment for the first 2-3 days following many acute injuries, such as pulled muscles and sprains. It helps to reduce swelling and relieve pain, thereby speeding up the recovery process.
- Rest - Whatever you did to cause the injury, STOP doing it! Your body needs to ret in order to recover.
- Ice - Ice can provide pain relieft to a sore area. It also helps to control the leakage of fluid from blood and lymphatic vessles which causes swelling. It is typically recommended to apply ice for about 15 minutes at a time as often as possible.
- Compression - Compressing an injured area helps squeeze out any swelling, and also helps to prevent further swelling from accumulating. An ace wrap is oftentimes used for this purpose. The wrap should be snug but not uncomfortable.
- Elevation - Elevating the injured area reduces the blood pressure to that area. This also helps reduce sweling and he discomfort associated with it.